Gender Power Gap
The leadership provided by women in making social change is under-valued and largely unrecognised. Women underpin the fabric of society as leaders in their comminities, they keep families together and they are usually the force behind social progress in local, national and international politics. Women were not 'given' the vote in 1918, they took it; they campaigned for it, suffered for it and some of them died for it. The Equal Pay Act was not a 'gift' from men, it was fought for by shop floor women and pushed through parliament by a woman. The #metoo campaign shows the influence women have when they act collectively.
Economic Inequality
The low pay economy of the South West, the expectation that women will be the prime carers, the inaccessibility of affordable, quality childcare, the lack of opportunities for flexible working in quality jobs, continued prejudice and occupational segregation, and inadequate public transport systems, all conspire to give a persistent pay gap between women and men which varies across our region from close to the national average in Cornwall to upwards of 30% in the richer parts of the region. This translates into a massive income gap in retirement, being exacerbated by changes in the tax and benefit system which will cause regression to the 'dependent woman', 'male earner model' and reduced pension contributions for women (private and state).
Personal Safety and Security
Many women feel unsafe in the home, at work and in the street, particularly when dark. Mitigation is important, including rape crisis centres and support services for sufferers of domestic violence. However, women tell us they would like more emphasis on prevention. They would like the streets to feel safe, with more police and fewer areas taken over by threatening gangs and drunks. They would like less acceptance of the objectification of women, with non-licencing of sex and lap-dancing venues, for example. They would like better use of the education system to change the culture of violence against women amongst boys and young men. They would like better prosecution and curbing of abusive men.
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https://t.co/iyRowwuEii At the very least it should be made unconstitutional to amend Primary Legislation with Seco… https://t.co/J71atMna60
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I've just signed the petition demanding @MattHancock and @RishiSunak give #NHS staff a REAL payrise. 1% is just not… https://t.co/Cko5NyD9RN
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WBG responds to the Spring 2021 Budget announcements: https://t.co/oYdKVaivxb @BWV2 @BWCommission @TUCSouthWest… https://t.co/ixsXCZ7EP1
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RT @Jules_Allen_: Surprise surprise, nothing to see in the #budget about childcare. The childcare sector is in crisis and desperately needs…
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RT @WomensBudgetGrp: Years of cuts and underspending on health, education, local government and public services left our social infrastruct…
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RT @ProfJuliaRouse: Nothing in this budget to recognise the effect of Covid on gender equality. Not even a fix to pregnancy and maternity d…
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RT @Helen_Barnard: 5% mortgages for properties up to £600 000. Great for people with £30k, or £15k for £300 000 house. Increases house pric…
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RT @WomensBudgetGrp: The Chancellor says we need an investment led recovery - we have been calling for a care led recovery https://t.co/DGM…
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RT @Jules_Allen_: The claim that the response to covid -19 has been fair is risible. We know that support for women and childcare as well a…
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RT @ManduReid: I won’t scoff at the extension of the #SEISS scheme for self employed people.
BUT it does nothing for the 70k mothers that…
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RT @BWCommission: Care is an integral part of creating an inclusive economy, without that we will not achieve #GenderEquality. Very disappo…
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How our benefits system was hollowed out over 10 years | New Economics Foundation: https://t.co/18eXLGm1mR